CBSE exams postponed by the PM. Covid-19
CBSE exams are postponed by the Prime Minister for an unidentified period due to the Covid-19 situation in the country ‒ a decision followed by the lawsuit
At the beginning of June, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, decreed the cancellation of the CBSE 12th board examinations, after the detailed review of the healthcare situation in the country connected with the heavy spread of the COVID-19 virus. Students and teachers relaxed, while the educational system is about to collapse.
The CISCE (Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations) filed a lawsuit against the government claiming that the cancellation of the exams may result in the collapse of the educational system after such a hasty decision. In an official statement to the government, the Prime Minister noted that the life and health of students and teachers is the priority, and his position was unflinching. He also added that there would be no amicable settlement of this until the COVID situation improves and that the nervousness of the community should be calmed down. The head of the parliament ended with the assuring fact that the alternative decision for passing the examinations has been taken and it is as safe as student-friendly.
It is necessary to point out that in April this year the government has already canceled CBSE 10th board exams. The process of examination is strictly regulated. The results gained by the students during the Class 12 examinations reflect the criteria set out by the board for Class 10, in which the final evaluation is being concluded based on the student’s annual performance. The representative of the CBSE stated that the board now tries to work out an option in which the results of the finals of Classes 9, 10, and 11 will be taken into the account for the Class 12 assessment; or another solution where a particular weight would be given to the Class 10 results in combination with the internal evaluation of Class 12. Another option considered is for the students who, no matter what, are willing to risk and appear for the exam. The possibility will be provided for such individuals on a case-by-case basis. Anyway, the board is expected to come up with a solution soon.
The lists of students trying to enroll for both Class 10 and Class 12 examinations together enumerated up to 35 lakh of candidates.
It was first reported by the media in May that there is a possibility that Class 12 would be canceled because of the health situation. Right about the same time the information leaked that students’ results may be calculated autonomously based on their marks in previous classes and annual performance.
The director of the Group of Schools of Ahlcon supported the government decision, calling it “well-considered”. He thinks that the standard approach to examinations is no longer possible. The children have been traumatized by the whole virus situation, and the fact that there are no vaccines for students or teachers makes it only logical that the government takes that rough decision which in the end benefits all.
A number of esteemed politicians and officials of educational bodies took the side of the government as well. That includes the educational minister, MLA Congress (along with the students), and the Students Islamic Organization. Generally, people are happy with the decision and believe that the delay in making it caused more uncertainty than anything else. The SIO group also challenged the government officials, as well as teachers, students, and parents to reconsider the outdated approach to the examinations and the effect they have on the educational system.
The Fiplearn managing director posted a tweet in which she applauded the position of the government and the Prime Minister, which keeps the virus at bay and saves the lives of students. She also expressed hope that the chosen alternative path would result in a fair evaluation of everyone’s performance and would not cause any controversy. In her statement, it was also underlined that the worldwide practice of online education has proven itself viable and that today’s level of technology lays out a great number of opportunities for the improvement of an old-school educational system.
No matter how you slice it, the long wait of the students and their parents has come to an end, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
